Changing Pad Tutorial

When Linus was born I thought I would do all this sewing for him. The changing pad which came with the diaper bag someone gave me had no way to keep it rolled up so I dreamed up this idea with velcro using PUL and diaper fabric from the shop and a little Michael Miller dots as binding. Of course this one isn't for Linus and I never have gotten around to making one for him, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Baby Changing Pad with velcro closure

Baby Changing Pad

½ yard PUL fabric

½ yard batting

½ yard diaper fabric

¼ yard cotton for binding

1” square of velcro

Lay diaper fabric on top of batting. (Batting and diaper fabric do not have to be exactly the same size.  You will trim down to size later.)

Batting with diaper fabric layered on top

Iron and pin together layers to keep in place.  Then quilt batting and diaper fabric together.

Quilting batting and diaper fabric together

Once you have quilted the two layers together, trim down to 25 ½"  by 14".

Next cut a 25 ½” x 14” rectangle of PUL fabric. Sew the rough side of the velcro to the right side of the PUL fabric centered about 6 ½ inches from the top.

Layer the two pieces of the changing pad with the inside piece batting side up and the PUL right side up on top of the batting. (I like to baste the PUL onto the rest of the layers at this point to keep it from slipping when you attach the binding.

Next from the binding fabric, cut two 3¼” by 2” rectangles and binding.  I got by with two strips of straight double fold binding. 

Place two rectangles right sides together.  Sew ¼” seam around three sides leaving a short end open.  Turn and press.  Sew soft side of velcro to flap centered about a ¼” down from closed short side.



Sewing on binding and flap

With the PUL up, pin flap (velcro up) to the short side with velcro on it so the raw edge of the flap will catch in the binding seam.  Pin binding and sew.  Finish by turning binding and handstitching to diaper fabric.

And as Linus would say, "Ta-da!"

Stay tuned for the cute wipes case I made to go with this!

Tamara

New Square on the Quilt

My name is Tamara and I'm a quiltaholic.  Ok so really only when I find time in between my real job, refinishing a house, taking care of my son, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, and laundry. (Laundry tends to pile up at our house.  Just ask my husband.) 

I have been quilting for about 10 years, and sewing for... well...longer.  I'll be posting to the Always in Stitches blog about my projects, new fabric to the store and more.  I have a baby changing cover tutorial in the works, but in the mean time let me tell you a little about myself.

1.  I love to quilt and sew as long as its not clothes. (10 years of sewing in 4-H cured me of ever wanting to make clothes for myself again.) 

2. My mother-in-law, Cindy, works at Always in Stitches.  Both my husband and father-in-law have learned not to ask us how much we spend on fabric.

3. I have an adorable 15 month old son who for sake of this blog will be called Linus.  He drags his blanket everywhere with him if I let him.  If he were ever to lose it I would definitely be inspired to learn how to crochet.

Sewing with Linus

4. We are currently refinishing our home.  So you are likely to see pictures of my sewing room as I get it organized, and I am always open to tips and ideas!

5. I love doing lots of other crafty things so if the occassional non-sewing craft project makes it on here that's why.  (And who knows maybe I'll take up knitting or crocheting after all!)

So here's what I want to know from you:  What would you like to see on this blog?

Tamara

Family's kindness gives ill kids sweet dreams

Eight children battling life-changing illnesses will find some cheer in their hospital beds, thanks to Diana Rainwater’s sewing talents and the generosity of her grandchildren, Wyatt and Fawn.

Diana made eight pillowcases as part of Always In Stitches’ service project for ConKerr Cancer. As she sewed the happy and bright print fabrics, her grandchildren sat patiently on her lap or next to her.

Wyatt especially liked the case made with traditional green and tan camo accented by blue fighter jets. He liked it so much, he wanted to keep it.

But when he learned that a sick child would get to use it if he took it to Always In Stitches, the 7-year-old boy was happy to make the donation.

ConKerr Cancer started when Cindy Kerr’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. She made pillowcases to make him smile and brighten his room at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, explains the nonprofit’s website. He loved it, so she made pillowcases for other oncology patients.

When AIS first introduced customers to this service project, the goal was to donate 300. We’ve topped that number, but continue to accept donations and love to hear stories like Wyatt’s.

Learn about our favorite notions!

Check out videos on how to use some of our favorite notions! Head over to our brand new Videos page on the website to find out more!

Check out our latest newsletter here!

Your generosity blesses us; warms those less fortunate

Always In Stitches is blessed to have generous customers. During the holidays, 33 blankets, 18 scarves, and 48 hats were made as donations to Hamilton County’s Good Samaritan Network, as well as 27 blankets for the national Linus Project.
Many of these beautiful pieces were given anonymously, and we thank those quiet stitchers and donors for their work and kindness. Thanks also goes to: Daisy Troop 208, led by Kimberlee Murray (with help from Noa and Logan Murray) and Cheryl Burke, two blankets; Vicki Butterfield, 17 hats; Karen Garlinghouse, 31 hats; Girl Scout Troop 1132, led by Michelle Higgins, 12 blankets; and Girl Scout Troop 1291, 10 blankets.
In addition, four cell phones were given to Prevail and 86 pairs of shoes were contributed to Soles 4 Souls.

Come with us to the International Quilt Festival!

We’ve hired a motor coach, are ordering tickets, planning goodies and getting excited. Departure is 7 a.m. April 14 and we’ll return around 9 p.m. The $73.95 package ($68.95 if you buy tickets by April 1), includes round-trip transportation, the show ticket, a light breakfast, snacks during the ride and a tip for the driver. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
Last year’s festival featured 219 exhibitors that offered finished antique and contemporary quilts, fabrics, books, patterns, tools, sewing machines, and crafts. More than 500 pieces of fabric art were on display. There were also numerous quilt- and art-related classes, lectures and events.
Call the shop, (317) 776-4227, to reserve your spot, and ask friends to join you for this wonderful opportunity. Send this link as an invitation: http://www.alwaysinstitches1.com/cincinnati-bus-trip.htm

It's the Holiday Season!

To see all of our latest news, head over to our website by clicking here, then click on the link to "Check out our latest newsletter!" on the left hand side of the screen.
We Wish you Joy, Health, and Happiness
There’s no time like Christmas to say how much we appreciate everyone who visits Always In Stitches. Our entire staff hopes your home is filled with the joy of family and friends and that you’re blessed in the new year.
Special Holiday Hours set, More Evening Hours to Come!
We’re going home early and coming in late to enjoy the holidays with our families. The store will be open from 10-1 on Christmas Eve, noon-5 on Dec. 26 and 10-3 on New Year’s Eve. Starting Jan. 1, we’ll be open from 10-8 every Tuesday and Thursday.
Janome Educator to Share Techniques at our Janome EventIf you own a Janome machine or are thinking about getting one, you’ll want to take some very special, free, 2-hour classes in January.
Janome educator Nancy Fiedler will share ideas about using the digitizer; embroidering, sewing and quilting; and working with accessories. There’s even an opportunity to pick her brain.
Nancy specializes in embellishment techniques using Janome sewing machines, embroidery machines, and sergers. She’s a regular contributor to Janome Digest magazine and Janome online, and has written for Creative Machine Embroidery and other magazines. She publishes her patterns under the Just Fiddlin’ Around label.
Pre-registration is required for each class.
Click here for a full list of classes and more information!

Take a Bus Trip!

Always In Stitches is going to the International Quilt Festival in Cincinnati, OH on April 14th, 2012, and we want to take you with us!

Head over to our website to find out more information!

Men's Night Out

Ladies, tonight is the Always In Stitches Men's Night Out!

We will be open until 9, so send in your fella with your wishlist and our elves will make sure you get exactly what you want for Christmas this year!

We will make sure to re-energize your man with wings, soda, and a chance to win a Craftsman Nextec Drill/Driver worth $79.99!

So pin on a wishlist, and direct him to Always In Stitches, where there is free gift wrapping, and plenty of help!

We hope to see you here! Call 317-776-4227 for more info.